Adopting a Child from Morocco FAQs

Common Questions About Adopting From Morocco

• Who are the Children in Need of Adoption?
• What are the Eligibility Requirements?
• What Information Can I Expect About the Child?
• How Long is the Process?
• How Long is the Stay in Morocco?
• Can You Tell Us More About Kafala?
• Is Morocco Right for You?

Who are the Children in Need of Adoption?

In Morocco, children in need of kafala and adoption include:

1. Infants (5 months to 18 months) with medical issues, emotional problems, moderate to severe developmental delays, or complicated family background. .
2. Older Children (18 months and above) with medical issues, emotional problems, moderate to severe developmental delays, or complicated family background. 
3. Children with Cognitive or Physical Needs that require specialized care and support.
4. Sibling Sets.

More boys are awaiting kafala than girls. 

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

• Religion: Lifelong Sunni Muslim(s); all household members must be Sunni Muslim.
• Age of Applicant: 25 – 49 years old; applicants 49 years to 55 must be open to a child over 3 years old.
• Marital Status: Single women and married couples with no more than 12 years of age difference between spouses.
• Marital History: No more than one divorce for each spouse.
• Family Composition: Preference is given to families who have no children. One child in the home is permitted. Exceptions can be made for families adopting a waiting child. 
• Gender Preference: Gender preference is not permitted.
• Income: Financial security.
• Parent Physical Health: Excellent health without significant medical concerns.
• Parent Mental Health: Considered on a case-by-case basis; no severe conditions.
• Prior Criminal History: Minor offense older than five years considered on a case-by-case basis; no drug offenses.

What Information Can I Expect About the Child?

The child’s background study includes the following.

• The child’s given name, gender, and birth date,
• Measurements of the child, such as height and weight,
• Medical reports documenting their health and well-being while in the orphanage’s care,
• A current developmental milestone assessment report of the child’s progress in various areas of development, such as motor skills, speech, and cognitive abilities,
• Photographs and videos of the child,
• The original documents, which may be in Arabic or French, are translated into English.

How Long is the Process?

• For a child under eighteen months, the entire process takes 2 – 2.5 years.
• For a child over eighteen months or with manageable or correctable conditions, the process can take 1 – 2 years.

How Long is the Stay in Morocco?

Families make a single trip to Morocco, typically lasting 6 to 8 weeks. Our local facilitator will guide you through the process and assist in arranging the necessary appointments for the kafala and the child’s visa. 

Can You Tell Us More About Kafala?

Kafala, which means sponsorship or guardianship in Arabic, is a legal process where the court grants parental authority to the parents. The parents commit to supporting the child and agree to raise the child as a Sunni Muslim and maintain the child’s given name. Kafala ensures that the child’s heritage and identity are preserved while allowing the parents to provide love and care throughout their lives.

Is Morocco Right for You?

If you are a life-long practicing Sunni Muslim, Morocco should be considered. Most children placed are under one year old; however, the length of time is two years or more. Being open to an older child or a child with an identified condition can shorten the time considerably. The Moroccan Program is predictable, and the child is matched before travel. Please let us know if you have any further questions or concerns. We are here to support you every step of the way.